Why I Keep Going Back to This Hidden Gem in Old Pasadena

I'll be honest, I'm picky about my hair. After years of salon disasters (we've all been there), I'd pretty much given up on finding "the one." Then a friend dragged me to this little place tucked away in Hugus Alley, and everything changed.

Bokaos Salon & Spa doesn't look like much from the outside. It's wedged between other shops in the One Colorado complex, easy to miss if you're not looking for it. But step inside and you immediately get why people become regulars here.

The Team That Actually Listens

Hasblady Guzman runs the place, and she's one of those stylists who really gets hair. Not in a pretentious way, she just understands that your haircut needs to work with your actual life, not some Instagram fantasy. I've watched her talk clients out of cuts that would be a nightmare to maintain, which honestly made me trust her more.

The other stylists, Nicole, Tawny, and Jacie, each have their own style, but they all share this refreshing honesty about what will and won't work. No one's trying to oversell you on services you don't need.

Last month I overheard Nicole telling a client that her hair was too damaged for the color she wanted and suggesting they do a treatment first instead. That kind of integrity is rare in this industry.

More Than Just Hair

Yeah, they do the usual stuff, cuts, color, highlights, extensions. But they also handle facials, makeup, and waxing, which is convenient when you're trying to get ready for something big.

I finally tried their chemical re-texturizing service after months of Hasblady suggesting it might help with my frizz issues. She was right (again), but I appreciated that she never pushed it until I was curious enough to ask.

The thing is, they're not trying to be everything to everyone. They stick to what they do well, and they do it really well.

Location Perks

One of the unexpected bonuses of going to Bokaos is where it sits. After your appointment, you can wander around Old Pasadena for a bit. I usually grab coffee at one of the nearby spots or browse the shops if I have time. Sometimes I'll walk over to the Norton Simon Museum if I'm feeling cultured.

It makes the whole salon visit feel less like an errand and more like a mini outing. Plus, parking in the One Colorado garage is way easier than most places in Pasadena.

The Real Test: Would I Recommend It?

Here's the thing, I've been going to Bokaos for about two years now, and I've never had a bad experience. Not once. That's saying something, because I'm the person who usually finds something to complain about.

My sister started going after seeing my hair, and now my mom does too. That's probably the best endorsement I can give, I'm willing to share my stylist with family members, which means I really trust her not to mess up their hair either.

The prices are fair for the quality you get, and they're not constantly trying to upsell you on products (though when Hasblady does recommend something, I usually listen).

Bottom Line

If you're tired of salon roulette and want somewhere consistent, Bokaos is worth checking out. Just don't expect flashy marketing or trendy gimmicks, what you'll get is solid work from people who actually know what they're doing.

Book online or call them directly. And if you mention you found them through word-of-mouth, well, that's exactly how these things should work.

Located in One Colorado, Hugus Alley, Old Pasadena